Snoring During Pregnancy Can Cause Complications
Snorers come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties of human beings. And snoring may have as its cause a variety of medical conditions, as well as muscle tone, obesity, and airway obstructions. Women, men, and children can all suffer from snoring.
When snoring occurs during pregnancy, however, there may be a cause for concern. Snoring during pregnancy is sometimes caused by a condition called ‘hypertension’. This potentially devastating condition can affect the health and even pose a threat of death for both mother and child. Hypertension can also cause developmental delays in the fetus.
Snoring during pregnancy can also be a warning of a pre-eclampsia. This condition causes hypertension, swelling of the limbs and protein in the urine. Snoring can also be a sign of toxemia. Excessive sleeping during the day is another indicator of potential problems.
During pregnancy there is a marked increase in the production of blood, as blood provides nourishment for the growing fetus. The blood vessels throughout the woman’s body also increase in size. Problems can occur as the blood vessels of the nose and throat increase in size, prompting a bloating of the mucus membranes. Obstructions may result, making it more difficult for the woman to breathe, and causing a snoring condition.
Scientists have indicated that pregnant women have greater snoring frequency, and up to a quarter of women will be snoring during the last three months of their pregnancy. Women who snored prior to pregnancy will likely find the volume of their snoring increases a great deal once pregnant.
Eleven percent of pregnant women experience excessive weight gain, which in itself will cause snoring. Women who already snored were found to experience more snoring, as well as severe swelling of the hands, feet, legs and face.
A serious concern with snoring during pregnancy is that the infants borne to pregnant snorers can experience certain difficulties. These babies may be born with low birth weights and lower APGAR scores, usually scoring seven or less. Seven percent of snoring moms gave birth to babies with reduced APGAR scores. It’s important to note, however, that many of these women smoked during pregnancy, which can also greatly affect newborn birth weight.
Snoring during pregnancy can be reduced or even eliminated. Avoiding caffeine can help, as caffeine narrows the airways and creates more snoring. Sleeping on her side with an extra pillow can help the expectant mother to breathe with an open airway.
Using nasal strips is another effective method to reduce or stop snoring. Nasal strips are non-invasive, prescription-free appliances that are worn on the outside of the nose to open the airways during sleep.
Pregnant women can be more susceptible to increases in breathing problems, particularly upper respiratory issues. As they gain weight, these women experience greater pressure on the diaphragm, restricting breathing.
An increase in snoring during pregnancy can be a warning bell, so ask your healthcare provider about the issue. She can assess your situation, and the potential for problems affecting the fetus. Even though snoring is treated as harmless by most media stories, it is safer to treat excess snoring during pregnancy than to risk complications in your newborn.
About the Author:
Author Bernard Loten writes for numerous popular Internet magazines, on healthy family and man fitness topics.
